Rare penthouse unit in Nuuanu

By Melissa Chang

Published: 2012.04.03 12:11 PM

My first real estate purchase was a studio in 2040 Nuuanu. It was a 395-square-foot studio on a low floor with no view, and that’s all I knew. I had seen the inside of a couple of one-bedroom units, but most of my memories of the building are of my own, tiny space.

When this huge penthouse listing at 2040 came across my desk, I had no idea it was from the same condominium. It’s one of only three penthouses in the building, and this floor has two of those units. The view, the space, the outrageous walk-in pantry … it’s a far cry from my little studio.

The unit is 1,562 square feet, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an extra storage area that the owner is using to display family photos. The spacious living room has a reading niche, and the open kitchen area has a contemporary layout that’s very different from the original. The unit has so much space, the dining area is separate.

Since it takes up half the floor, you get almost 360-degree views of the city. On one side, you see clear through Nuuanu Valley; in the living room, there’s a sweeping view from Punchbowl to Waianae, and you can see the Aloha Tower fireworks (something you can’t see on the lower floors).
It comes with three covered parking stalls and you are allowed up to two pets with no weight limit. The building recently underwent some exterior improvements, which is a good idea since it’s about 28 years old.

If you work downtown, it’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk straight down Nuuanu Ave.; I have done it myself, and it’s all downhill. Its proximity to schools and some dining gets 2040 Nuuanu a 71 on Walkscore.com.

The penthouse will be open this Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. if you’d like to see it for yourself. (Click here for details.)

About Our Writer

Rachel Ross Bradley is a Realtor-associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai‘i Realty. Raised in Hawai‘i Kai, she previously worked in public relations and marketing where she assisted some of O‘ahu’s biggest community developers, educators and businesses. She loves connecting people and says that real estate is a form of matchmaking. She is mom to three teenagers and an avid runner, and notes that the hour each day of pavement-pounding is the only teen-angst-free peace and quiet she gets all day. rachelb@bhhshawaii.com